Shillong : It is indeed good news for sports in the State at the information received that after 6 schemes already received earlier, recently, the Central Government also released about 7 more schemes for the development of Football and Athletics grounds in the State, especially in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills.
With regards to this, t7 got a chance to speak with the Minister incharge of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Banteidor Lyngdoh, in which he informed that the Central Government has accepted and approved the funding for about 7 more artificial turf grounds and one synthetic track, which is a benefit and blessing from beyond for the State as a whole.
The success of the State in receiving the development schemes in the form of playgrounds comes after Lyngdoh in the recent weeks personally visited Delhi to follow up on all the development schemes which the State is due to get from the Central Government.
The sites or areas which will receive the artificial turf through the Khelo India scheme includes Pyndengumiong, Mawphlang, Pynursla, Umsning Pata Rim, Khliehshnong Sohra for which the synthetic track will also be added.
Responding to the query on the scheme not being extended to areas of West Khasi Hills District, the Minister said that the department has put forward a proposal with the Central Government for this area to also be included in the scheme, which Lyngdoh is confident that the authorities incharge will deliberate over the allotment of the scheme to this area of the State as well, especially for Mawkyrwat which had already submitted an appeal for a synthetic track in Sakwang village.
Responding further to the query if as a Minister incharge of the Department whether he feels Ri-Bhoi District is not justified in getting a proper synthetic track on the basis of the District producing brilliant male and female athletes, Lyngdoh expressed that after the NSCA Ground in Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh, another ground known as Chenchona ground is also there which is meant to get a synthetic track however, this scheme is pending with the Central Government but the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic,this matter needs to be reminded and followed up from his end as Minister and confidently expects that the process will begin to move forward and this area of the State will get the best track field.
